NHL: New York Rangers at Buffalo Sabres - Source: Imagn — NHL insider Elliotte Friedman talked about Buffalo and Cozens' situation (Image via Imagn)

NHL Trade Rumors: Elliotte Friedman claims several teams are “sniffing around” $49.7M Sabres center

Modified Dec 14, 2024 17:44 GMT

Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens is drawing trade interest as the team struggles this season. The team has suffered eight straight losses. Cozens, 23, signed a seven-year, $49.7 million contract in February 2023, with a $7.1 million cap hit.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman discussed the situation on "The FAN Hockey Show," highlighting the Sabres’ challenges and the attention Cozens is receiving.

"I think there are a lot of questions about where this is all gonna go,” Friedman said, adding, “And you know, and I think this too, like, I think the real danger thing that they've got now is, ‘Don't do anything you're gonna later regret.' Like, I think there are a lot of teams sniffing around Cozens."

Friedman warned the Sabres to avoid making a trade they might regret, calling it a risky move.

"I know he hasn't played well, but he's a right shot center and he's still a young kid. And I would be terrified if I was the Sabre making that deal," Friedman said.

This season, Cozens has recorded six goals, seven assists, and a -4 rating in 29 games. Known for his two-way play, Cozens is averaging 17:53 of ice time but has struggled with consistency. Over his career, he has 179 points in 309 NHL games, showing flashes of promise.

The Buffalo Sabre are 11-14-4, tied with Detroit at 26 points near the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Defensive mistakes, inconsistent goaltending, and a lack of scoring depth are significant issues. Recent losses to teams like the Rangers, Jets, and Avalanche highlight their struggles against strong opponents.

With the team’s NHL-record playoff drought continuing, Buffalo faces tough decisions. Cozens has trade value, but losing a young center could hurt long-term. For now, the team must weigh their options carefully as trade talks grow.

Cozens and the Sabres lost their eighth consecutive NHL game 3-2 to Rangers

The Sabres lost their eighth straight game, 2-3, to the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center. Cozens recorded one shot on goal in 17:18 minutes on the ice.

Mika Zibanejad scored first on a power play in the first period. Adam Fox set up the goal after a turnover by Owen Power. In the third period, Reilly Smith made it 2-0 after a rebound hit Power’s skate. Power then scored for the Sabres at 15:09, bringing the score to 2-1.

Fox added an empty-net goal at 17:58 to give the Rangers a 3-1 lead. Tage Thompson scored for the Sabre at 19:22, but it wasn’t enough.